God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

This solo with piano is straight forward in design, giving the young player the opportunity to display dynamic and stylistic variety.

This solo is technically demanding while depicting the content of its title. While it is a provocative title with soul-searching implications, the results of its message produces a great deal of joy- salvation! The themes and embellishments presented here certainly enhances the joyous conclusion of such a concept and then moves to a rather solemn reflection of the wonder of it all.

This solo with piano is constructed in a rondo form alternating the tunes of Jesus Loves Me, Praise Him All Ye Little Children and Jesus Loves The Little Children. Each section of piece is in a different style thereby giving a great deal of variety technically and musically for the younger player.

This solo is plaintive throughout as it begins with a simple melodic motive. The first verse is simply stated in the solo while supported with broken chords in the piano. The second verse is much like the first but the piano not supports the tune with gentle punctuations. The third verse is in the piano while the solo line produces a ebb and repose obbligato- the two line join together in a dramatic cadence and then settles down to a quite repose where the piano continues in a solemn flavor. The final statement in the solo is much like the first where it is joined with moving scale patterns in the piano. The two players sweep upward one last time to then settle down into solemnity.

This solo with piano begins with the portrayal of a pastoral setting. The arrangement incorporates both “Flow Gently Sweet Afton” and “Luther’s Hymn”.